Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. This job is open to current permanent Department of Veteran Affairs employees.

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The Medical Supply Technician (MST) (Sterile Processing Trainer) is responsible for developing formal and informal written plans for the Sterile Processing Service (SPS) training program, in compliance with accreditation organizations and VHA-specific requirements as well as medical center policies and procedures for SPS and related staff. The MST Trainer facilitates training of SPS staff through educational programs and job specific instruction and improves SPS processes by facilitating the application for new technology of reusable medical devices by training all new and existing staff.

Duties and responsibilities of the Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing Trainer) include, but are not limited to:

• Has expert knowledge of all areas with Sterile Processing to include: decontamination, preparation and assembly, sterilization, endoscope reprocessing (if applicable), sterile storage and distribution.
• Develops and executes training plans (literature review, continuing education, in- services, certification and/or formal education, to improve knowledge in specialized areas of processing reusable medical equipment) in collaboration with Nurse Educator/RME Coordinator.
• Develops, monitors, and revises SPS education programs for both new and existing staff.
• Documents and assess staff's training to identify areas of strength and need.
• Ensures SOPs, Policies, and SPS mandates are followed during the performance of workflow.
• Assesses, validates and documents employee competencies (annual and ongoing).
• Develops and conducts an annual review of the SPS Preceptor Program.
• Assesses the quality of work by reviewing the cleaning, reprocessing, and distribution of RME.
• Instructs employees on work-related activities, policies, procedures and goals..
• Utilizes advanced functions of instrument tracking system to manage RME throughout the facility.
• Provides guidance and training to staff members with less experience.

Work Schedule: Full-time, Day Shift 7:00a.m - 3:30p.m
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Other Factors This position potentially requires flexibility in schedule and assignments, as this is a 24/7 hospital. Some positions require rotation of tours or indefinite work on non-administrative tours as established by the immediate supervisor.

Also, on-going Education and Training/Competency Validation Completes 12 continuing education units (CEU) annually to maintain competency per policy. Incumbent will be self-directed in completing orientation, annual competency requirements, and on going mandatory education. Must maintain active Contracting Officer Certification and obtain required CEUS and education as required to maintain such certification.

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENTS

Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, paragraph 3g.)

English Language Proficiency. MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j, of VA Handbook 5005.

Experience and/or Education

• Experience. Six months of experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work; OR
• Education. One year above high school that included at least 6 semester hours in health care related courses such as sterile processing, nursing assistant, hospital corpsman, and operating room and surgical technician courses or other courses related to the position; OR
• Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable.

Certification. None.

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).


GRADE REQUIREMENT:GS-07 Trainer Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)

• Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-6). The KSAs at the GS-06 grade level are:
  • Knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings.
  • Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination.
  • Working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical conditions and procedures.
  • Knowledge of sterility principles in regards to instrumentation.
  • Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures.
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
  • Knowledge of SPS and Infection Prevention regulations.
  • Knowledge of procedures and/or operations in training developed for, and operations of SPS functions for both new and existing staff.
  • Ability to manage integrated training programs as it relates to sterile processing procedures.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel or other software programs in order to complete reports and develop skills.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with staff and management officials in regards to sterile processing procedures.

Preferred Experience: National certification by the Sterile Processing and Distribution Board (CBSPD) or by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA, formerly known as IAHCSMM) is highly preferred but not required.

References: VA Handbook 5005/83 Qualification Standards - Part II, Appendix G47The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07.

Physical Requirements: Physical Requirements This work is performed in various settings: decontamination, preparation, clean sterile supply (preparation), gastrointestinal intestinal endoscope reprocessing hub, and in other services and departments throughout the medical facility/campus. The incumbent may be required to work in areas that are hot, cold, drafty, and poorly lighted. The work requires proper body mechanics when standing and walking during the entire workday and frequent bending and lifting of packages/instrument trays (occasionally weighing as much as 50 pounds). The work requires dexterity and visual acuity for manipulating, disassembly and assembly of instrumentation. On a regular and recurring basis, the employee alternates between a contaminated environment and a carefully controlled clean environment. The employee wears special clothing, hair covers, personal protective equipment and shoe covers that can be uncomfortably warm. The employee uses insulated gloves to remove carts from sterilizers. The employee is subject to burns from accidentally touching hot items. The hazards of working around minute quantities of sterilizing gasses are unknown. The employee often works around body fluids, mucous, excretions and bits of tissue, some of which may be foul smelling. Strong, unpleasant odors are encountered while decontaminating bloody or grossly contaminated instrumentation or reusable medical equipment. The work area is noisy due to the clatter of metal instruments, rumbling of carts and operation of pre-sterilizing equipment. These physical requirements will be consistent with VA Directive Handbook 5019.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Area of Consideration - Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order:
1. Current permanent VA employees of the facility.